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Arizona Diamondbacks star Ketel Marte declined to send a message to fans Monday during his first media availability in two weeks. The veteran switch-hitter addressed his recent absence before returning to the lineup against the Philadelphia Phillies at Chase Field.
Marte had not played since abruptly leaving the team during its August trip to face the Boston Red Sox. Arizona later placed him on the injured list with left-knee inflammation. Arizona Sports shared the moment on X, formerly Twitter, showing Marte’s response when asked directly whether he had a message for Diamondbacks fans.
“When asked if he had a message for Arizona Diamondbacks fans, Ketel Marte was silent and shook his head no.”
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When asked if he had a message for Arizona Diamondbacks fans, Ketel Marte was silent and shook his head no. pic.twitter.com/nZFsiJbUvm
— Arizona Sports (@AZSports) August 31, 2026
Marte traveled with the club to Boston on August 17 but did not report to Fenway Park for their game against the Red Sox. He did not notify manager Torey Lovullo, general manager Mike Hazen, or his teammates beforehand. Arizona initially placed the switch-hitting infielder on the restricted list before moving him to the 10-day injured list after an MRI revealed left-knee inflammation.
Speaking through an interpreter Monday, Marte attributed his absence to physical pain and personal frustration. He acknowledged that he let down Lovullo by not showing up and said he wanted to become a better person and player. Marte also addressed his teammates as a group after previously holding individual conversations.
Lovullo said there was no guarantee the behavior would not happen again and described Marte as someone who retreats when things go poorly. The manager added that Marte might have answered the question about Diamondbacks fans differently after having more time to consider it.
The 32-year-old ultimately returned to Arizona’s lineup Monday as the designated hitter, with some fans booing him during his first at-bat. The Diamondbacks currently trail the Philadelphia Phillies 2-1 at home in the top of the eighth inning as Marte continues his first game back with the club.
Related: Watch Diamondbacks fans boo Ketel Marte in his return
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